What are the symptoms of iron deficiency anemia in children?

　　According to the latest national survey and research, the rate of iron deficiency anemia in children in my country is very high, and it is a common disease that is often ignored by adults. The prevalence rate for infants under 1 year old is 22-31%; for toddlers 1-3 years old, it is 14-29%; for preschool children 3-6 years old, it is 7-26%. Even in developed European and American countries, the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia in children is about 5%. However, because in the early stages of the disease and when there is mild anemia (most children with mild anemia now), there are no obvious symptoms in appearance and behavior, it is easy to be ignored by parents. So, what are the symptoms of iron deficiency anemia in children? The editor below will introduce them to you.

　　1. General performance:

　　Pale skin and mucous membranes are prominent manifestations. Due to the decrease in the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin content, the skin (face, helix, palms, etc.), mucous membranes (palpebral conjunctiva, oral mucosa) and nail beds appear pale. In severe anemia, the skin often appears waxy, which is often misdiagnosed as mild jaundice. On the contrary, accompanied by jaundice, cyanosis or other skin pigment changes, the symptoms of anemia can be masked. In addition, those with a longer course of disease often have symptoms such as fatigue, dry hair, low nutrition, and delayed physical development.

　　2. Hematopoietic organ response:

　　In infancy, because the function of the hematopoietic organs has not yet stabilized, when hematopoietic needs increase, the extramedullary hematopoietic organs and tissues often show a proliferative reaction and return to the hematopoietic state of the fetal period, with the liver, spleen and lymph nodes enlarging to varying degrees (extramedullary hematopoiesis in aplastic anemia generally does not increase), and nucleated red blood cells and immature granulocytes may appear in the peripheral blood.

　　3. Symptoms of each system:

　　(1) Circulatory and respiratory systems: The symptoms of these two systems are interrelated. During anemia, due to tissue hypoxia, a series of compensatory functional changes may occur, such as increasing the ability to transport oxygen through accelerated heart rate and breathing (more obvious after activity). Physical examination may reveal an accelerated heart rate, strengthened pulse, increased arterial pressure, and sometimes capillary pulsation. When the compensatory dysfunction of severe anemia occurs, heart enlargement, precordial systolic murmur, and even congestive heart failure may occur.

　　(2) Digestive system: gastrointestinal motility and secretion of digestive enzymes are affected, resulting in loss of appetite, nausea, bloating or constipation. Glossitis, tongue atrophy, etc. occasionally occur.

　　(3) Nervous system: Often characterized by lack of energy, inability to concentrate, and irritable temperament. Severe hypoxia in the brain tissue may cause fainting. Older children may have headaches, dizziness, black spots in front of their eyes, or tinnitus.

　　What are the symptoms of iron deficiency anemia in children? The above is what the editor has introduced to you. I hope it will be helpful to you. Experts remind: Eating more foods high in iron on the basis of a normal diet will not cause excessive iron absorption. However, if you use some fortified foods and medicines, you must check the child frequently under the guidance of a doctor to avoid overcorrecting and causing other damage to the body.